FISHING BOAT EXPLODES OFF CEBU; 6 DEAD

A FISHING vessel on Wednesday night exploded and caught fire in the sea of Naga City in Cebu leaving six people dead.

Six others were rescued.

Police said the names of the victims were being verified.

One of the survivors was the skipper of the motor banca F/B King Bryan which departed from Cawayan Port in Masbate around 6 p.m. on June 2.

According to Mark Anthony Sollano, one of the engines was being repaired when it exploded around 7:40 p.m. on Wednesday.

Solano admitted to authorities that the boat was carrying six containers and three liquified petroleum gas tanks when the incident happened.

The fire engulfed the fishing vessel, seriously injuring crew members, and forcing others to jump into the sea.

A tugboat, who happened to be near the area, immediately responded and helped put out the blaze and rescue the survivors.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), it was possible that those who died were the ones who were repairing the engine when it exploded.